If you are concerned about the difficulty level of the hike you signed up for, please contact the hike leader to discuss your concerns.

Safety and liability

Our hikers' well-being is important to us! Our hike leaders and shepherds have CPR and first aid training. Volunteer hike shepherds help the leader keep track of the group and provide assistance in emergencies.
Each hiker is required to sign a liability release form at the beginning of the hike.

Carpooling

Your hike leader will choose a central location to meet and carpool from. Carpooling is recommended but not required. If you are able and willing to drive, please come with at least half a tank of gas. If you can't or do not wish to drive, please plan to contribute between 5 and 10 cents per mile to the driver of your carpool. Directions will be provided for drivers.

What to Wear

Dress in layers for both warm and cool temperatures.

If it is likely to be damp/wet or cold, please do not dress in cotton or jeans.

Good/comfortable hiking shoes or boots

Optional and depending on conditions: Gaiters (for snowy, muddy, or dusty conditions), sun hat, change of shoes or clothes for the ride home.

What to Bring

A hearty lunch and snacks to get you through the day

Plenty of water (at least 3 liters)

A comfortable pack

Depending on the hike and conditions, you should consider bringing a camera, hiking sticks/poles, sunscreen, binoculars, and insect repellant.

Any medications you regularly take or may need.

It's always a good idea to have along, in your pack, any or all of the "10+ Essentials":

Extra food/water/clothing

Flashlight and extra battery/bulb

Lighter/matches/fire starter in waterproof container

First aid kit

Whistle

Pocket knife/multi-tool

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Map and compass (and the knowledge to use them)

Space/emergency blanket or heavy duty garbage bags

Toilet paper and small trowel

Cell phone

Other Oregon Wild hike policies

Though we love dogs, four-legged friends are not invited on Oregon Wild hikes. We do allow registered service animals (as defined by the ADA) on our hikes, but those attending with service animals must arrange for their own transportation or receive prior approval from the hike leader that they will have a ride. Thank you for your understanding.

Drugs, alcohol, and firearms are not allowed on our hikes. Use of these items will result in you being asked to leave the hike.

If you decide you want to leave the group hike before the end of the trip, please notify the hike leader and sign the release form that will be provided.

What to Expect on the Hike

This is a group hike, so everyone is in it together. The hike leader will attempt to stay at a pace that is moderate and comfortable for all hikers, while realizing that there will be different ability levels and preferences. Please be patient with the group.

Please let the hike leader know in advance of any medical conditions it may be important that they know about.

We ask that hikers obey basic trail etiquette and leave no trace principles - to help everyone enjoying the trail to have a pleasant experience.

We ask that if you are a smoker, you please be sensitive to others in the group who may be sensitive to smoke and that you only smoke in paved or gravel areas.

Basic Trail Etiquette

• Pick up litter.
• Do not pick flowers and plants.
• Do not create switchbacks as they increase soil erosion and unsightly multiple paths.
• Hikers should yield to backpackers.
• Do not snowshoe in ski tracks.
• Step away from trail to adjust clothing, etc.
• Get off the trail on the downhill side when livestock approach. Quietly greet the rider and ask if you are ok where you are. Hold still, but do not hide, until they are past. Speaking softly in a calm voice will help livestock identify you as human and not a “pack monster.”
• Hikers going uphill are working hard and should be given the right of way over hikers coming downhill. Sometimes uphill hikers will prefer to stop and let you pass coming down so they can get a short break. The uphill hiker should get to make the call.
• Leave nothing behind – even compostables like apple cores and toilet paper.